"She does not object to sly Jacob, who deceived his blind father by putting kid skins on his arms; but our fairy-lore is distasteful to her."
He put his note-book up again and went with Hans after the titmouse.
The Professor had, with amusement, observed the secret vexation of his friend; but Ilse turned to him, saying:
"I am surprised that your friend takes note of such stories; it is not right, such things should be forgotten."
"You know that he himself does not believe in them," answered the Professor, in mitigation. "What he searches for are only the traditions of the people. For these legends originated in a time when our whole nation believed in these spirits, as they do now the teachings of the Bible. He collects these reminiscences in order to ascertain what was the faith and poetry of our ancestors."
The maiden was silent. Then after a time she said:
"This also, then, is connected with your labors."
"It is," replied the Professor.
"It is good to listen to you," continued Ilse, "for your mode of speech is different from ours. Formerly when it was said of any one, he speaks like a book, I thought it was a reproach; but there is no doubt that this is the correct expression, and it gives one pleasure to listen."
Thus saying, with her large open eyes she looked from the interior of the grotto at the Scholar, who stood in the entrance leaning against the stone, brightly lighted up by the rays of the sun.